Monday Memo 1153: Finish Well

In this 'Never Too Old for Purpose' lesson, we look at a man who seems like he was old at the time of the story reported in Luke 2:

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace . . ." (Luke 2:25-29).

Let's take a look at some lessons from Simeon that can help you later in life as you serve the Lord through your purpose.

1. You don't have to have a title for God to use you. Simeon wasn't part of the priestly family but was simply identified as a man who was "righteous and devout." The Spirit revealed something to him that He did not reveal to those with an official title or Temple position.
2. Being in touch with the Spirit is the key to ongoing effectiveness for the Lord. The Holy Spirit is mentioned three times in three verses. Your old age is no guarantee of wisdom or spiritual insight but your relationship with the Holy Spirit is.
3. You're never too old to obey. The Spirit moved on Simeon to go into the temple courts. It doesn't seem he was told why he was going, he just went as he had many times before. This time, his obedience was rewarded when he saw Jesus and his parents and the fulfillment of the Spirit's promise.
4. When you're old, you can serve to direct, encourage, and instruct the young. Simeon went on to say that Jesus was the Messiah, that He was the way for the Gentiles to come to God, that Jesus' life would be controversial, and that His life would be a source of pain for Mary.
5. Simeon finished well. Simeon had not retired, but was interested in the things of God up to the end of his days. God used him in a special way that so impressed Luke that he included the story in his gospel account when the other writers did not.

Simeon was a happy old man because God had made a promise to him and to Israel. For whatever reason, the Spirit had chosen to show Simeon the fulfillment of that promise.

Are you ready to accept the role God has for you in your latter years even if you don't have an official title or role? Are you willing to help others understand theirs by sharing your perspective and spiritual insight with them? Are you listening to the Spirit and what He is doing even if you may not get to live long enough to see or enjoy it? Simeon had not retired. Instead he was watching and waiting and was rewarded with good news. I urge you to follow in His steps and prepare for a life of significance that carries through even your last days so you can finish as well as you lived. Have a blessed week!